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Phu Quoc (Vietnam)

From the paradise islands of Koh Rong in Cambodia we flew to its Vietnamese counterpart Phu Quoc. We were planning to cross the border overland and then take a boat to Phu Quoc (as Koh Rong and Phu Quoc are only a few miles from each other). But it turned out our Vietnam Visa was only valid in international airports so we were refused at the border and had to fly all around through Phnom Penh, then on to Ho Chi Minh to finally land in Phu Quoc – a CLASSIC backpackdiariez mess-up 🙂 Imagine our faces when they told us to turn around at the border!

We went on an odyssey to get there, but it was completely worth it! A laid back, hippy but classy atmosphere reigns on Phu Quoc which is home to magnificent white sandy beaches full of laid back-bars and beautiful resorts. We stayed at the magnificent colonial-style La Veranda resort, which is kind of an institution on the island and probably one of the best places to stay if you are looking for a luxurious romantic getaway.

Things to do on the island

Beach time!

The island is surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach and very calm sea which makes it probably one of the best places in Vietnam to go to the beach. It is however much more busy and developed than the beaches in its Cambodian counterpart Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

Phu Quoc Prison

Similar to the famous S21 detention camp in Phnom Penh, Phu Quoc also has a torture prison which shows many shocking scenes leaving little to the imagination. This visit is only for those who do not have a weak heart.

Boat ride

There are several tiny islets just off the shores of Phu Quoc which are a great day excursion. Most of the hotels can organize boat rides to these places.

Where to sleep?

La Veranda Resort – we highly recommend this beautiful beach resort if you are looking for a romantic getaway! The rooms are suuuper comfy and the amenities (beach, pool, spa…) are amazing. The hotel is built in true colonial style surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden, lying on a beautiful white sandy beach, so it was amazing to just spend time at the hotel and work on our tan 🙂

Where to eat?

Pepper Tree Restaurant: this is the restaurant inside La Veranda resort – very refined and such a good change after all the chicken fried rices

Where to have a drink?

Rory’s beach bar: this is THE place to have a drink in the evening. Super cool vibe and …. BONFIRES!